Warner wants to be next Mr Cricket

Dynamic Australian batsman David Warner wants to be the next Mr Cricket.

Warner will slot in at No.6 when he returns to the Test batting order, and says he's aspiring to turn his career around and become Australia's next Mike Hussey.

Provided he can make runs for Australia A on a two-match tour to Africa departing on Tuesday, he'll be considered for an immediate return at Old Trafford for the third Test.

Warner says his days opening the batting are over and confirmed he's set for a new life in the middle order.

The troubled batsman was shattered to be dropped for the first Test, and will also miss the second match at Lord's as a direct fallout from his suspension for a nightclub incident last month.Quick Single: England name unchanged squad

Warner says throughout his suspension, he's tried to replicate the work ethic of Hussey at training.

"I've been spoken to about batting six," said Warner, who will bat No.4 for Australia A.

"If I get into this team ... I'll be doing everything I can to fill that Mike Hussey role and come out and have that intent from ball one.

"I see that as the acceleration number in the team. His intent that he had over the years he played was magnificent and I feel I can play that role as well."

Hussey scored 19 centuries in 79 Tests at an average of 51.52.

The veteran's retirement last summer rocked Australia, who were counting on him playing this Ashes series.

Hussey was equally adept at helping Australia continue momentum when they were on top, or saving an innings and batting with the tail if the team were in trouble.

Warner was a destructive force on his day at the top of the innings, but was too inconsistent as an opener - averaging 39.46.

It's felt his free hitting could make him a natural in the middle order.

During his suspension, Warner says he's focused on being the first to training and the last to leave as he fights to earn back the respect of teammates.

"That's something I picked up from Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting," he said.

"You would be up in the changeroom about to have a shower and you would look out there and go, 'why are they still out there?'.

"I've caught on that you have to give this 100 per cent, not go at 60 or 70 per cent and be content with that.

"You want to get as much out of this game and now I've started to realise that."

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Cricket Australia